Connecticut College Review

By Maya Katsovich, 2024

Published 10/8/23

Choosing a college to attend is an overwhelming decision, and for some, is amplified by the prospect of being far away from family. As many juniors and seniors are searching for a college or university to attend, it’s helpful to consider more local schools in addition to the further ones. One such college is Connecticut College (also known as Conn College), which is a private liberal arts school located in New London.

Conn College was founded in 1911 as an all-women’s college but has since shifted to be a co-ed institution. For students considering a smaller school, the population of approximately 1,900 undergraduates feels comfortable but not too condensed, as the campus is spacious, spanning 750 acres. 

The programs at Conn include 46 majors and 49 minors to choose from in a variety of disciplines. One unique aspect of Conn’s academics is the emphasis placed on having to study a language for two semesters. Students can continue with a language they may have begun learning in high school, or jump into a beginner-level class for a language they have never studied before. This academic requirement is a great representation of the college, reflecting its focus on creating well-rounded students who are experienced in various disciplines after graduating. 

Outside of academics, Conn has a multitude of extracurricular activities to choose from, so despite its small population, there always seem to be things to do around campus. For students interested in sports, the college is a Division 3 school and offers club and intramural sports. There are also various art, music, and dance-related organizations on campus, with seven acapella groups to choose from! 

With such a small community, it is easy to make Conn-ections (pun intended). While on my campus tour, the tour guide waved hello to friends as we passed the dining hall and the library– there was a sense of amiability and an overall homey feel to the campus. In addition to a standard dining hall on campus, there is also a late-night dining hall, in case you want a midnight snack. Conn houses multiple cafes, as well as plenty of food options in New London just outside of campus. Its location in New London is quite convenient, with the city offering many things to do, but it's also just ten to fifteen minutes away from Mystic, which has a variety of attractions as well.

With so many options available to us for schools, it’s important to look at all different types of schools— small and large, close and far. Connecticut College’s camel mascot truly represents the school’s uniqueness, making this a great choice to consider, especially for CHS students looking to stay closer to home.